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Fire chief warns of rising costs; FEMA review could force relocation of Station 3
Summary
Fire Chief Griffin reported steep increases in equipment and truck replacement costs, a possible $300,000 roof repair and an upcoming FEMA inspection to decide whether Station 3 can be rebuilt in its current floodplain location or must relocate with potential FEMA assistance.
Chief Griffin briefed the council on the fire department’s budget pressures and operational status. He said personnel and benefit adjustments are under consideration to improve retention and that training and physical‑exam costs have risen because the town’s prior provider stopped offering some medical services.
The chief flagged major capital pressures: two front‑line engines from 2003 and 2005 have high mileage and rising maintenance costs; a replacement pumper could cost an estimated $850,000–$1 million today. He also reported a roof estimate for a fire building approaching $300,000 and higher prices across turnout gear and SCBA units compared with several years ago.
On infrastructure, the chief said he has a meeting with FEMA inspectors to determine whether Station 3 — currently in a floodplain — can be repaired in place or must be relocated. If FEMA requires relocation, the department may be eligible for relocation assistance but would face challenges finding suitable, affordable property nearby. The chief said preliminary staffing or service changes could cost the town roughly $40,000–$50,000 to provide inspection capacity internally if the county shifts inspection responsibilities.
Next steps: the fire chief will report back after FEMA’s inspection and provide cost estimates for roof, equipment and potential station relocation options; the council discussed whether the town or the county should provide inspection services and asked staff to model financial impacts.
